They say that you’ll know the hardships only when you’re doing it. Yes, it’s easy to observe from an outsider POV. It’s a different world, when you’re the captain of the mission! Let’s dive into the post - mortem of a failed mains attempt for what all happened. Sorry for the long rant!
Essay
My essay part was already miserable. I thought my language skills would help to score decently in this paper. But, when I attempted a question in the mocks, I felt that it was lot more than that.
Essay requires a clear thought flow about the topic, that has to be brought out in the skeleton, and translated into the content. All of this requires a clear approach that comes with proper practice and guidance. Rather, guidance first.
Above all these, I put a risk by interpreting part -B essay in a different manner. Idk if that played out well. Let’s wait for the marks.
General Studies
GS was a ‘different game’ as it needed to-the point content delivery. Ex. Alignment of mountain ranges of the world, gig-economy, state and non-state actors etc.,
It was easy to attend prelims questions even if you don’t know the exact points. But, in order to write quality answers, you must deliver the points that are relevant to the context, concise and structured.
I would be grateful, if anyone helped me with content development and notes making.
Optional part
I felt that I was always convenient with language paper from school days . I was passionate about it. I enjoyed reading and talking about it. That’s why Despite technical education in college, I chose literature paper as it would help me overcome the monotonous preparation cycle and would add a lot of values to my persona.
But, the exam expects a different skill set that is not taught in schools. You’ve to write creatively, that would bring out your connect with the subject. The good part is, both papers are complementary to each other. If you had a clear understanding, it’s a cakewalk. Else, it’s a disaster.
I tried to bring this out. I’ve been building content for this for the past 5 years!! Still I’ve some loopholes. I wrote only one full mock test for the optional. I did not approach or get my paper evaluated, even from my peers, which is a terrible miscalculation. I believed in my plan for the 80+ days, but a lot could have been done in the previous yrs of preparation.
Anyways, I think, I’ve given a decent attempt. Let’s wait for the marks.
The execution part:
- The intial days btw exam and pre results are crucial. It’s important how you spend them. After all the exhaustion that the prelims cycle gives, you’ve to build your strength back for the mains burn-out. I missed this part. I spent this for taking rest which is a luxury only if you’re a Martian!
- Proper utilisation of this period requires : Gathering the relevant material, working out a strategic plan for the next 3+ months, revising key concepts of optional. Also, it’s important to meet your mentors and take their valuable inputs.
- I attempted 3 essay questions, 9 sectional tests of GS, one full mock test for GS and optional. It was difficult to incorporate the suggestions as time was running fast.
- Mains preparation requires a six point strategy that combines static revision, CA revision, stock points preparation at relevant places, optional revision plus value addition, a regular test cycle that is palatable! and incorporating the feedback.
- I lacked the repository of stock points / content which is crucial for a maxi-score. I was still in the learning phase when you’re expected to deliver. Moreover, I felt the lack of CA preparation while attending questions like India-Africa relations, Global Air Quality guidelines, COP 26 outcomes etc.,
- Presentation is vital. It’s not only about the structure of your answer. You should have a legible handwriting, your diagrams should be crisp, maps legit. It comes only through practice.
- One should establish a fertile learning environment that is vital for his success. It helps one to overcome the challenges that the exam poses to the candidate. I went like a lone wolf with the test process as the only feedback loop. It did not work out. It’s the hard truth.
- Planning one week before the essay paper is important. With the help of my friend, I planned it accordingly. I was in a good temperament and sound mind. Allotted time for revision of each paper, took ample rest and gave the exam well, despite the third wave of the pandemic and associated lockdowns.
Way forward :
- Strategic preparation for prelims. Not much focus.
- Content additions for some specific areas like world geography, international relations, governance, ethics case study.
- Working on presentation skills. Have to change handwriting, work on mapping skills.
- Go through topper’s answer scripts, niti ayog’s recommendations, CA materials and relevant handouts.
- Keep calm and turn the storm.
